Grants and Communications Specialist, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative

Job Summary

The Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) is a university-wide academic and research center in humanitarian crisis and leadership. HHI is based at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Department of Global Health and Population and is affiliated with the Department of Emergency Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH). As an Inter-Faculty Initiative at Harvard University, HHI collaborates closely with all Harvard Schools and Harvard Teaching Hospitals and is the primary humanitarian outreach arm of Harvard University. The mission of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative is to create new knowledge and advance evidence-based leadership in disasters and humanitarian crises. HHI was founded in 2005, currently operates 20 projects in 26 countries, and consists of over 75 staff, faculty, affiliated experts, students, fellows, and collaborators. HHI’s aim is to promote interdisciplinary dialogue in pressing humanitarian issues, advance the science and practice of humanitarian response worldwide, and improve the lives of communities in war, conflict, and natural disasters.

The Program on Resilient Communities within HHI does population-based research on disaster preparedness and resilience in countries impacted by climate change. Data and analysis are used to raise awareness and inform programming of humanitarian, development, the private sector, and relevant government agencies supporting disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation measures.

The Grants and Communications Specialist – Philippines will support the program’s projects in the Philippines by identifying new grant opportunities locally and globally. The Grants and Communications Specialist will write, submit, and coordinate grant, research, and other program-related proposals. In addition, this position will provide communications support to the program through creative production and strategic dissemination of multimedia content and messages to the program’s stakeholders.

The position is well-suited for candidates with exceptional writing and interpersonal skills as well as experience in non-profit fundraising and communications, and journalism or news media.

The Grants and Communications Specialist – Philippines is part of the Program on Resilient Communities team and will work closely with and under the guidance and supervision of the Project and Communications Manager. The position reports to the Resilient Communities Program Manager.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Additional duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Grant Writing and Coordination

• Research and analyze new funding opportunities in the Philippines and globally.
• Collaborate with the Project and Communications Manager, Program Manager, and Program Director in developing grant, research, and other program-related proposals.
• Write, revise, submit, and coordinate proposals to funding organizations.
• Conduct case-building research (analysis of demographic trends, educational research, gathering and analyzing program data) to support grant proposals.
• Maintain a calendar of grant opportunities and pending applications that is shared with the Program Team.
• Assist in the routine evaluation and assessment of the program’s grant proposal system.

Communications

• Support the Project and Communications Manager in the development and implementation of a strategic communications plan for the program.
• Produce creative graphical presentations and designs of information materials, i.e. infographics, presentations, brochures, and training kits.
• Identify local and international events such as conferences and seminars where the program can present or participate.
• Manage the program’s social media accounts and generate more online engagement.
• Write press releases and blogs.
• In coordination with other team members, produce short, informational videos related to research and training activities.
• Maintain a good relationship with the mediain promoting project activities, research, and other project outputs.
• Monitor news and publications featuring the program.
• Perform other tasks assigned from time to time.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3+ years of related experience required

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Experience writing and submitting grant or research proposals
• Experience in the humanitarian or development field; and/or journalism, marketing, or advertising
• Familiarity with the funding landscape in the Philippines and globally
• Experience with Microsoft suite of programs, Zoom, and file organization using Dropbox
• Basic skills with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, InDesign, and Premiere
• Basic skills in photography and videography
• Experience working independently with minimal direction, as well as in work environments with a high degree of collaboration
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working in an academic setting
• Adaptability to change, experience working under pressure, and openness to constructive feedback and mentoring
• An ability to work well with others in a highly collaborative, remote environment

The following cultural competencies are also preferred:

• Awareness of and aptitude to understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based differences within group environments appropriately and effectively
• Knowledge of and commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion

Additional Information

This position has a term end date of 1 year from hire date, with a strong possibility for extension.

This is a remote, work-from-home position, with occasional fieldwork locally. The candidate must be based in Metro Manila, Philippines.